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minutes meeting date 2026-03-02 · fetched 2026-09-16 · 3364 characters · official file · plain text
Snake River School Board of Trustees
Held at Snake River District Office
103 South 900 West, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Monday, March 2, 2026
1.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Lon Harrington called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Other board members present were Carol Hepworth and
Larin Mortimer. Toni Ibarra and Josh were absent. Also attending was Superintendent Mark Kress and Board Clerk Terisa
Coombs.
2.
PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Larin Mortimer opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
3.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Carol Hepworth and seconded by Larin Mortimer to approve the agenda as presented. All
board members present voted aye. Motion passed 3-0.
4.
PUBLIC INPUT
There were no comments during Public Input.
5. SUPPLEMENTAL LEVY PRESENTATION
The Snake River School District has seen its total property valuation grow from about $440 million in 2021 to more than
$1.05 billion in 2025 due to rising home values and new construction. This growth has significantly reduced the district’s levy
rate, from roughly $695 per $100,000 in 2016 to about $67 per month for a $100,000 home today. This number is calculated
by taking 700,000 divided by 1,050,298,158. In addition, state funding through House Bill 521 currently provides about $1.6
million annually, covering the district’s bond and most plant facility costs. The current rate is $31 per $100,000 after school
district facilities distribution.
The district is considering renewing its $700,000 supplemental levy as a continuation rather than an increase. While the
district maintains healthy reserves, administrators note that state funding remains uncertain, potential cuts could occur, and
staffing adjustments will need to take place. Renewing the levy would provide a financial buffer to help maintain salaries,
security, and programs during possible funding volatility.
Chairman Harrington read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 33-802(3), Idaho Code, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Snake River
School District No. 52, Bingham County, State of Idaho, has determined there is a need for a supplemental levy in the
amount of Seven Hundred Thousand and no/100 dollars ($700,000) per year for two (2) years, for the purpose of
paying all lawful expenses of maintaining and operating the District, as listed on the official ballot, for the fiscal years
beginning July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2029.
A motion was made by Larin Mortimer to approve the resolution for the supplemental levy in the amount of $700,000
per year for two years, beginning July 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2029. The motion was seconded by Carol
Hepworth. The Chairman called for discussion; none was offered. Roll call vote was done: Carol Hepworth, aye;
Larin Mortimer, aye, and Lon Harrington, aye. The motion carried 3-0.
6. ADJOURN
Larin Mortimer moved and Carol Hepworth seconded to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
Terisa Coombs
Lon Harrington
Clerk
Chairman
March 18, 2026
Date
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